Category: GENERAL/POLITICAL NEWS

NJ Sierra Club Endorses Norcross for Congress

CHERRY HILL, NJ – The Sierra Club endorsed Congressman Donald Norcross, a champion for

environmental protection.

“I strongly believe we must protect and defend our environment from attack, especially from President Trump and his administration. I am committed to working with fellow environmentalists to promote green energy, protect our air and water, and reject efforts to deny climate change,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “I am proud to be endorsed by the Sierra Club, an organization that knows we must preserve our environment for our children and grandchildren, and fights for our planet day in and day out. I will continue to stand with the Sierra Club and against the Trump Administration’s anti-science agenda.”

As a member of Congress, Donald Norcross strongly supports green energy solutions and is fighting to clean Superfund sites and keep oil rigs away from the Jersey Shore.

“Congressman Norcross is an environmental leader and has championed protecting wild paces. He is an avid outdoors person and supports full funding of the Water and Land Conservation Fund. Congressman Norcross also supports legislation that helps protect open space, our clean water and prohibit drilling off the Jersey Shore. He is a leader on climate change and cleaning up Superfund Sites in New Jersey. Congressman Norcross has been instrumental in moving forward on electric vehicles and renewable energy while fighting air pollution. He is also the only congressman that is licensed to install solar panels. Congressman Norcross has a stellar voting record when it comes to protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink and we proudly endorse him for another term,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi Endorses Norcross

December 4, 2019

Cherry Hill — U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Congressman Donald Norcross for re-election.

“From working tirelessly to provide our children with a high-quality education to protecting our national security and advocating for lower drug costs, Congressman Norcross always ensures that the issues of his constituents are at the forefront,” said Speaker Pelosi. “Congressman Norcross is a relentless champion for labor

and progressive issues who is fighting to increase Americans’ paychecks at a time when the wages of our workers are falling further and further behind. His patriotic service in the Congress is respected throughout his state and the country. I am proud to support Donald Norcross’ reelection.”

Congressman Norcross strongly supports Speaker Pelosi’s efforts to defend our democracy, support working families, lower prescription drug costs, and hold President Trump and his administration accountable.

“Speaker Pelosi and I share a deep commitment to standing up for what is right – including fair wages for working men and women, affordable access to health care, quality education and a sustainable environment – and we are working tirelessly to defend our democracy against President Trump and his administration’s divisive, dangerous agenda,” said Congressman Norcross. “I sincerely thank Speaker Pelosi for her trust and support as we work side–by–side to uphold America’s values for the people we are elected to serve.”

Congress’ only electrician, Norcross serves as the Vice-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and its liaison to the Labor community. He is a lead sponsor of the Raise the Wage Act to responsibly raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Norcross has long supported opening impeachment proceedings for President Trump, having voted to advance articles of impeachment as early as 2017. In addition to Speaker Pelosi’s endorsement, Norcross has earned the support of a diverse group of organizations that represent the interests of working people and our rights to education, health care and environmental justice, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the National Education Association (NEA / NJEA), the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and the Sierra Club.

Claire Gustafson To Challenge Norcross

Gustafson releases video announcing campaign for Congress

COLLINGSWOOD – Former Collingswood school board member Claire Gustafson announced today, via video, that she has entered the race to challenge Congressman Donald Norcross in New Jersey’s First Congressional District.

Gustafson announced on November 12th that she formed an exploratory committee “to gauge interest and support into a possible candidacy for Congress” and said today, “The exploring is done. I spent the past few weeks talking with friends, family and colleagues and am confident we will be able to raise the funds necessary to run an aggressive campaign against Congressman Norcross and the political machine that has a stranglehold on South Jersey.”

In her announcement video Gustafson makes it clear she is a pro-President Trump Republican saying, “I am unapologetically Republican and proudly stand with President Trump. I am a Republican because I believe in hard work, self-reliance, smaller government, the preservation of our Judeo-Christian values and the free-enterprise system that has made America the envy of the world.”

Gustafson’s announcement video can be viewed at,

or

https://gustafson2020.com/

.

About Claire Gustaafson: Active in her community, Claire is currently the President of Camden County New Jersey Republican Women, a former school board member in Collingswood, a former soccer and Little League coach and a member of Collingswood’s historic commission. She’s owned her own small business for over 30 years and is married with four sons, one daughter and several grandchildren.

McKnight Bill Requires NJ Students to Learn Cursive

(TRENTON) – Elementary schools in New Jersey would be required to teach students how to read and write in cursive under legislation recently introduced by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.

The bill (

A-6010

) would require elementary school curriculum to include activities and instructional materials to help students become proficient in reading and writing cursive by the end of third grade.

Research

suggests that learning to read and write in cursive benefits the development of cognitive, motor and literacy skills, and may help students with learning disabilities like

dyslexia

read and write with greater ease.

However, since cursive was dropped as a requirement under Common Core standards in 2010, many schools have opted not to include cursive in their curriculum.

“In some cases, children are entering middle school without knowing how to sign their own name in cursive,” said McKnight (D-Hudson). “We are doing our children a disservice by not teaching them a vital skill they will need for the rest of their lives.”

Nearly two dozen states have made efforts to reintroduce cursive in schools, including Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.

“Our world has indeed become increasingly dependent on technology, but how will our students ever know how to read a scripted font on a word document, or even sign the back of a check, if they never learn to read and write in cursive?” said McKnight. “This bill will ensure every young student in New Jersey will have this valuable skill to carry with them into adulthood.”

The legislation would apply to the first full school year following the date of enactment. It now heads to the Assembly Education Committee for review.

Burlington County Young Republicans Endorse Kate Gibbs for Congress

Mount Holly, New Jersey – The Burlington County Young Republicans (BCYR) announced their

endorsement of fellow millennial Kate Gibbs in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District.

“Kate Gibbs is the leader South Jersey needs in Washington,” said Angelo Lamberto, Chairman of the

BCYR. “As one of the youngest women elected to countywide office, Kate is a trailblazer with a proven

record of cutting taxes, creating jobs, improving county infrastructure, and strengthening our schools.

With her real-world experience and expertise, Kate Gibbs is the best candidate for the job. We look

forward to working to ensure her victory.”

Kate Gibbs, a lifelong resident of the Garden State, is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S.

House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District.

The district stretches from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing both Burlington and

Ocean counties.

Gibbs previously served as the Director of the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. Holding a B.A.

from American University and an M.B.A. from Drexel University, Gibbs works to promote economic

development and job creation for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825.

“I want Kate Gibbs to be our next Congresswoman and New Jersey’s first woman representative in South

Jersey,” said Abigail Orr, Treasurer of the BCYR. “We are frustrated with Andy Kim’s lack of leadership.

He continuously prioritizes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s radical platform over the needs of his

constituents, voting with her more than 90% of the time. Kate Gibbs will get New Jersey’s 3rd

Congressional District back on track.”

The Burlington County Young Republicans is a grassroots organization open to those 18-40 years of age

who work or reside in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Code Blue Issued in Newark

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark Wade are activating a “Code Blue” for Monday afternoon, December 2, 2019 through Tuesday afternoon December 3, 2019.

“Code Blue” is called when temperatures reach 25°F or lower without precipitation, 32°F or lower with precipitation, or a wind chill factor of 15° or lower.

‍

“Newark is preparing for snow and cold temperatures early this week,” Dr. Wade said. “We will meet nature’s challenge with the strength and resilience that defines us. I urge our residents to take precautions to keep their homes safe and be safe when they are out and about, and to check on their neighbors, especially the disabled, children, and the elderly.”

‍

In addition, Dr. Wade reminded residents of the hazards of cold weather. “Several layers of warm clothing and protection against moisture and wind are important, even though weather may not seem to threaten cold injury. Gloves and socks should be kept as dry as possible. Insulated boots that do not obstruct circulation are essential in very cold weather. Warm head covering is particularly important, since 30 percent of heat loss is from the head,” he added.

‍

“We are expected to endure temperatures as low as 27°F and residents should take measures to ensure their safety at home and when outside of their home,” said Dr. Wade.

‍

The City is reminding residents that there are emergency shelters operating during the extreme cold weather that have partnered with the City to provide overnight sheltering.

For more information about sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Department of Health and Community Wellness, Division of Social Services at

(973) 877– 9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The City offers the following tips on keeping homes safe and coping with extreme cold weather:

· Keep the house heated to a minimum of 68 degrees. The temperatures inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 68 degrees will not keep the inside walls from freezing.

· Identify the locations for the main water shutoff in your home. Find out how it works in case you have to use it.

· Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving within the pipes will prevent them from freezing.

· Check on seniors to make sure that they are warm and dry.

· Stay indoors as much as possible.

· Check all windows and doors for drafts. Place plastic if you feel a draft.

· Do not leave space heaters unattended.

· Do not use generators indoors.

· It is illegal to use kerosene heaters indoors.

· Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

· Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

· Never use your oven to heat your home.

· Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

· Take inventory of emergency items.

· Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.

· Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by checking and cleaning your furnace and chimney regularly and ensure you have proper ventilation and the exhaust pipe is free of debris.

The City of Newark Housing Code requires all property owners to supply heat from October 1 through May 1 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. at a minimum inside temperature of 68°F, and between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. at a minimum inside temperature of 65°F.

To report no heat or hot water in your apartment, call the Division of Code Enforcement at (973) 733-6471.

Anyone with questions about the City’s heat ordinance or any other Newark municipal policy or program can contact the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at

(973) 733-4311

, from

8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

.

New Orleans City Council Budget Includes $3M Investment for Early Childhood Ed

The city grows its early childhood education budget from $750,000 in 2017 to an unprecedented $3 million in 2020, as well as several additional key funding initiatives

NEW ORLEANS

– After several weeks of budget hearings, the New Orleans City Council

adopted the City\’s 2020 Operating and Capital Budgets, concluding the annual budget review process and establishing spending levels for the coming year. Prior to the meeting, Nthe City held a special Revenue Estimating Conference to adopt an adjusted 2020 revenue forecast and capture newly identified sources of revenue.

Since October 17, when Mayor LaToya Cantrell appeared before the Council to present a proposed $721.9 million annual operating budget from the City\’s general fund, the Council has held a rigorous budget review process to learn the needs of each department and listen to residents\’ concerns. As a result of the budget revenue process, the Council adopted an amended operating budget totaling $725.9 million, which represents an increase of $4 million.

\”Today is a historic one for the City of New Orleans and our children. We\’re setting an unprecedentedly high bar for the State of Louisiana and the entire country with this incredible investment in our young people. We\’ve gone from $750,000 two years ago, to $1.5 million in 2018, to an unprecedented $3 million for early childhood education in 2020. I\’m extremely grateful to my colleagues, the Administration, and my staff for the months of hard work that went into this budget. Our future and that of our children, has never been brighter,\” said District \”D\” Councilmember and Budget Chair Jared Brossett.

2020 Budget highlights include funding for the following:

Early Childhood Education programs to expand access to quality early childcare and education in New Orleans (doubling funding by $1.5M to bring the allocation to $3M)

Total Community Action to purchase a food pantry freezer to store food provides low-income vulnerable individuals/families with food supplements ($8,000)

Demolition of the blighted Higgins Gate apartment complex ($800,000)

Algiers Water Management Study ($250,000)

Code Enforcement to address quality of life needs and eliminate blight ($700,000)

Department of Health for mobile decibel monitors to address noise concerns ($45,000)

Department of Health for a Domestic Violence Initiative ($250,000)

\”I\’m very pleased with the collaboration of the budget process,\” said Council President Helena Moreno. \”My colleagues and I on this Council have been laser-focused on making New Orleans a more affordable city to live in since we began in 2018. Today, the Council followed through by lowering – not raising – property taxes at a time when assessments are skyrocketing and potentially forcing long term homeowners out of their neighborhoods. The Council also made clear its priorities: infrastructure and public safety. I\’m also proud that we once again doubled funding for early childhood education and allocated specific funding for domestic violence initiatives.\”

Throughout this year\’s budget hearings, the Council led a negotiation process with the Mayor\’s Administration to ensure critical initiatives and services are funded while minimizing the burden on our residents\’ tax bills. Given that the 2020 tax year is a quadrennial reassessment year, there has been considerable discussion regarding the reassessment process and the rising property tax assessments that resulted, leading to heightened concern among residents about their tax bills and the effect a potential roll forward could have on that bill.

In a reassessment year, the Council may roll forward millages up to the maximum authorized rates. Recognizing the concerns of residents, Councilmember Brossett ensured the redirection of certain millages to fund public safety and infrastructure while reducing (rolling back) other millages during the negotiation process with the Administration. This redirection of millages allows the Council to ensure critical initiatives and services are funded while remaining revenue-neutral.

Key millages being funded:

New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) & Fire Department (NOFD)

Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB)

City Alimony

Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund (NHIF)

Certain millages being levied below the rollback millage rate:

Economic Development Fund

Capital Improvement Fund

Audubon Park

New Orleans Public Library

\”The extraordinary commitment we\’ve made here today will pay way more dividends for our city in the long-run,\” said Council Vice President Jason Williams. \”Because of Governor John Bel Edwards, and what\’s happened at the State level, we\’re now in a position to receive matched funding to the already historic amount we\’ve approved, doubling the number of young people we\’re able to help with a total $6 million investment. This is a tremendous day in the City of New Orleans as we become the only state providing this level of localized investment in early childhood care and education. Finally, New Orleans is becoming the city on a hill for the State of Louisiana, the South and the entire United States, and our children will be a testament to that for generations to come.

\”Today, we protected funding for vital public services in a smart way,\” said District \”A\” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. \”Government\’s first job is to provide those public services responsibly. This deal between the Mayor and Council concentrates on quality of life issues with spending for first responders, streets, drainage, maintenance, and other fundamental needs.\”

NJ Resolution Urges Congress to Prevent IRS from Taxing Forgiven Student Loans

Tucker and Pinkin Measure to Help Ease Financial Burden for Families of Deceased Vets Passes Assembly

(TRENTON) –

In an effort to ease the financial burdens faced by the families and friends of deceased veterans, Assemblywomen Cleopatra Tucker and Nancy Pinkin have sponsored a resolution to encourage the federal government to change its policy regarding taxation of federally-forgiven student loans. The legislation passed the full Assembly Monday, 71-0-0.

The resolution (

AR-97

) urges Washington officials to enact the “

Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act”

to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from collecting taxes on educational loans forgiven on behalf of a deceased veteran.

Under the federal “Higher Education Act,” certain student loans are discharged when a military member dies as a result of an injury or illness they sustained on active duty. The IRS currently considers the amount forgiven to be taxable gross income and holds any loan cosigner responsible for it.

Since cosigners are often the friends or family members of that deceased veteran, Tucker and Pinkin want to change this by requesting that Congress and the President amend current law to prevent the IRS from collecting these taxes.

“The friends and family of a soldier who lost their life in the line of duty are dealt an enormous loss,” said Assemblywoman Tucker (D-Essex). “Asking them to sort out and pay extra taxes during their time of grief unnecessarily adds to their suffering, which is why federally-forgiven student loans should be exempt from taxation.”

“Anyone willing to cosign a loan to help a veteran go to college shouldn’t be penalized for supporting their efforts to obtain an education,” said Assemblywoman Pinkin (D-Middlesex). “This resolution encourages the government to do the right thing and honor that veteran’s sacrifice by preventing their loved ones from having to shoulder the financial burden of student loan taxation.”

The resolution will be filed with the Secretary of State and passed along to members of the federal government.

Sweeney Says Murphy is Playing Politics with Critical School Funding

Senate President: Governor doesn’t realize his proposed $1B tax hike wouldn’t put a penny into overfunded districts under bill he signed into law

TRENTON

– Senate President Steve Sweeney today blasted the Governor for playing politics on critical school funding issues by calling for a $1 billion tax increase that would do nothing to help districts facing Adjustment Aid cuts.

“It is disappointing to see the Governor demagogue the critical issues of school funding and property tax fairness in order to call for an unrelated $1 billion increase in the sales tax and the millionaire’s tax,” Senator Sweeney said.

“What is more inexcusable is the Governor doesn’t even acknowledge his proposed $1 billion tax hike wouldn’t put a penny into overfunded districts under the school funding bill he signed into law 15 months ago,” Senator Sweeney said. “Any increase in state funding for schools would go to the overwhelming majority of school districts that are underfunded by more than $1.7 billion, not to the Adjustment Aid districts that would be helped by my plan for cap relief.”

Senator Sweeney’s 2018 school funding reform law restored fairness to the 10-year-old School Funding Reform Act by eliminating the growth caps that kept 72 percent of schoolchildren in underfunded districts – urban, suburban and rural – from getting the state aid they deserved, while establishing a seven-year phase-out of Adjustment Aid payments to school districts for students they no longer have.

On Saturday, Senator Sweeney announced that he was developing legislation that would provide cap relief to school districts facing Adjustment Aid cuts that were spending below the adequacy level established by the School Funding Reform Act – and affirmed by the state Supreme Court – as needed to provide the “thorough and efficient” education guaranteed by the 1947 New Jersey Constitution.

“We need to ensure that students do not suffer in districts that are now taking cuts after receiving more than their fair share of state aid for more than a decade,” Senator Sweeney said. “The new law will give school boards in these districts the ability to make up for past years when they had no incentive to provide their Local Fair Share because the Adjustment Aid windfall they were getting gave them no reason to do so.”

Senator Sweeney noted that the legislation signed into law by the Governor already gave the 31 former

Abbott

districts the ability to exceed the 2 percent cap if they were spending below adequacy, and required any school district facing Adjustment Aid cuts and spending below adequacy because it was not providing its Local Fair Share to raise school property taxes by 2 percent a year.

Norcross Statement on New Jersey’s Commitments to Public Employees

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement:

“We all share the common goal of upholding the pension and health care commitments made to our state, county, municipalities and school board employees. The issue is how best to meet these promises,” said Congressman Norcross. “I believe we cannot let New Jersey fall to the ways of

Washington but should instead work together to resolve tough issues. That is why I oppose any effort to place pension and health benefit reform bills on the ballot. Instead, all parties should come together to work on solutions that keep our promises to New Jersey workers. I am happy to participate in a dialogue with legislators, the Governor and union leaders to work together to meet New Jersey’s obligations to its workers.”